Senate Education chair announces retirement

Longtime Senate Education Chair Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, made the unofficial speculation official Monday: She is not running for re-election next year.

Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano

The former Plano mayor decided that 18 years in the state Senate was enough – although the former school teacher says she will remain passionate about public education.

Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, served alongside of Shapiro for many years on the Senate Education Committee.

“A true legislative champion for our Texas school children, Senator Shapiro’s spirit and leadership will be greatly missed,” Van de Putte, said. “As chair of the Senate Education Committee, she has consistently authored, pushed, and fought for policies that raise the rigor and effectiveness of education standards for children in our state. I value her unparalleled expertise and will greatly miss working with her.”